Original Gangster

by Frank Lucas with Aliya S. King

I didn't take my eyes off him. I wasn't scared of him. not one iota. I knew I could beat his ass in pool.
Back in Kentucky, the old men who told me to shoot pool taught me that the game began before you even picked up your stick.
You needed to believe you could beat somebody. And act like it. No room for fear.

"Ten thousand", he said.

Icepick dragged his eyes around the room, silently threatening everyone in the pool hall.
Some people continued darting their eyes in his direction. Some went back to their games.
The music from the jukebox came back on loud and strong.